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Canada’s Job Market Stumbles as February Brings Major Employment Losses

                                                       Workers operating machinery at a construction site in Edmonton.      Canada’s labour market took a sharp downturn in February, shedding 84,000 jobs and pushing the national unemployment rate up to 6.7%. The decline was far steeper than economists expected and marks one of the most significant monthly employment drops in recent years.  A Sudden and Significant Employment Decline Statistics Canada reported that the country lost 84,000 jobs in February , a surprising contraction that affected both goods‑producing and services‑producing industries. The unemployment rate rose to 6.7% , up 0.2 percentage points from January. Economists had anticipated modest job growth, making the downturn even more unexpected.  Who Was Hit the Hardest Youth aged...

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Maximizing Your Tax Return: Uncover Hidden Deductions for 2024

 

Getting the most out of your tax return can feel like an early spring bonus. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a newcomer, there are lesser-known deductions that could significantly impact your bottom line. 

While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made filing expenses for people who work from home more complicated this year, there are still plenty of tax-deductible expenses that Canadians might be missing out on:

  • Children’s Summer Camps: Yes, you can claim credits for those enriching summer experiences.
  • Investment Expenses: If you have non-registered investment accounts, don’t overlook these costs.
  • Alimony Payments: If you’re making alimony payments, they may be deductible.
  • Moving Costs: Certain circumstances allow you to claim moving expenses.
  • Canadian employment amount: You can get credit for uniforms, work supplies, and more, up to $1,368 per year. Plus, if you subscribe to a Canadian news source, you can write off the cost of your subscription. 
  • Charitable donations: offer excellent tax benefits, especially for high-income earners. 
  • Contributing to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): is a powerful way to boost your refund and save for retirement. Here’s the magic number: aim for 18% of your income, up to the maximum of $30,780. Be strategic about how much you contribute to retirement savings accounts and charities—this could be the difference between owing the government money or getting a refund.

Remember, every dollar saved through deductions and credits adds up. So, dive into the lesser-known deductions, make smart RRSP contributions, and unlock hidden tax benefits. 

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